I walked into the Northcote Social Club having listened to Falling Of The Lavender Bridge, Lightspeed Champion’s impressive debut, a handful of times. Though I was impressed with what I heard, and was hopeful of a good performance, I was unsure what I was going to witness. With the contrasting styles of Dev Hynes’s former group the Test Icicles and his current solo project, it was difficult to picture exactly how his material would translate on stage. After a brief appearance by Sydney’s skinny jean wearing The Holidays, definitely a band to look out for, Hynes and his eclectic band took to the stage for their first ever Australian show.
Playing a set dominated by the tracks off his recent album, Lightspeed Champion displayed the qualities that set him apart from the usual indie artist. He is an absolute pleasure to watch. His unassuming, open, easy going and amusing nature is enthralling. It adds a whole dimension to his performance. He really connects with the crowd, sometimes a little too well, seeing him engage in conversation, oblivious to the hundreds of punters waiting for the next song. But it is a result of this human element that really makes Dev Hynes as a performer. You get a sense of his character and genuinely want him to succeed. It’s refreshing to find someone who is not afraid to be himself and just loves performing his stuff. Tracks like Devil Tricks For A Bitch characterise what is so invigorating about Hynes. While he himself is singing candid lyrics, the violin, as played by Mike Siddell, is focused upon and sees a really haunting and distinctive track. At times the band were combining grunge guitar riffs with a sweet, melodic violin solo.
As good as the music being played was, it was the personality and passion of Dev Hynes that really stood out. On stage it was like observing a mild schizophrenic. In between songs he is this humble, affable individual, but when playing he is replaced by this assured, intense musician. As a result, you get the sense that you are observing a musician gradually building what will become a significant career. You can see he is really coming into his own as an individual artist, freed of the limits of being in an ensemble. This is readily visible in his music, which exudes Hynes’s unique personality.
I am usually quite reasoned, seldom fanatical and disinclined to gush. I pride myself on my ability to provide the opinion of a near objective punter. As a result of Lightspeed Champion’s brilliance on Wednesday evening, my neutrality has disappeared, replaced by the ramblings of a fan. Dev Hynes is a breath of fresh air, a great personality with an atypical approach to his music. If you get the chance, see Lightspeed Champion. If you missed the chance, buy his album, for Dev Hynes is on a path to success. He may not be travelling at lightspeed, but he is certainly heading there fast.
